James River Catfish Trifecta: A PB-Breaking Day with Goober Time Guide Service
- Captain Dan Szajta
- Apr 14
- 4 min read
There is nothing quite like the James River in the springtime. Whether you are a local or visiting from out of state, these waters always have a surprise in store. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Tim and Mark, who made the trip all the way from Ohio for their very first James River catfishing experience.
It was an 8-hour marathon that tested our patience, but as any seasoned angler knows, persistence on the river pays off in a big way. By the time we headed back to the docks, we had checked off the "James River Trifecta" and landed a few surprises along the way.
Starting Deep: Tim’s First James River Blue Cat
We started the morning with a cooler full of fresh hickory shad—the gold standard for big James River catfish this time of year. Our first stop was a deep hole where we marked plenty of activity on the sonar.
It didn't take long for the rods to start dancing. Tim reeled in a 6 lb Blue Catfish, marking his first-ever blue cat! It was a great way to break the ice and get the Ohio boys used to the power of these river giants.
The Strategy: Moving to the Mud Flats
After a quick move to another hole that provided some taps but no takers, we decided to work our way upriver toward the mud flats. On the way, we took a moment to stock up on some live bait, swinging into a spot to pull up a few white perch.
We had a brief encounter with a small blue cat near some structure, but the river claimed that one when the fish tangled us up in a submerged tree. That’s just part of the game when you're hunting monsters!
Suspend Drifting for Success
As the tide began to move, we shifted tactics to suspend drifting. This technique allows us to cover water and present baits right in the strike zone of active fish. The move paid off with a double-header:
A solid "eater" sized Blue Catfish.
A 12 lb Blue Catfish for Tim—setting his second Personal Best (PB) of the day!
Heartbreak and a Surprise Guest
The incoming tide was looking "fishy," so we anchored up back on the mud flats. After about 20 minutes of anticipation, a heavy hitter picked up a bait and absolutely screamed across the flat. This was the fish we were looking for—estimated between 25-30 lbs.
It was a chaotic battle as the fish ran back and forth across the rod rack, but unfortunately, the big blue made a final surge into the motor and broke off. That’s the heartbreak of trophy fishing, but the river wasn't done with us yet.
Minutes later, a rod rigged with a live white perch bent double. Expecting another catfish, we were shocked to see a fat 5 lb Largemouth Bass come to the surface! It’s not every day you land a trophy-sized bass while catfishing the James.
Completing the James River Trifecta
With the afternoon winding down, we moved to a final set of mud flats with one goal: finding a Flathead Catfish to complete the trifecta (Blue, Channel, and Flathead).
The action stayed steady:
An 11 lb Blue Catfish.
Several more "eater" blues.
A 3 lb Channel Catfish (Part two of the trifecta).
Then, it happened. We saw the signature "faint wiggle" on one of our Pink Hellcat rods. The line started slowly swimming away—a classic Flathead take. Because the bait was a massive half-section of a hickory shad, we knew it had to be something with a big mouth. Tim played it perfectly, landing a beautiful 15 lb Flathead Catfish to officially complete the James River Trifecta!
A Note on Our Guests
I have to give a huge shout-out to Tim. For a young fella on an 8-hour trip that started out slow, his patience was incredible. He handled the rod like a veteran and was rewarded with multiple PBs and a memory that will last a lifetime.
Mark and Tim, thank you for choosing Goober Time Guide Service. It was an honor to have you on the boat, and we’re glad you’re heading back to Ohio with a cooler full of fresh fillets!
Trip Results & Statistics:
Total Fish Landed: 15 (Plus several lost)
Total Estimated Weight: 75+ lbs
Species Caught: Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, White Perch.
The Trifecta: Completed!
Are you ready to break your personal best? The James River is heating up! Whether you want to hunt for trophy blues or fill the freezer with eaters, Goober Time Guide Service is ready to put you on the fish.
Captain Dan Szajta is a USCG Master and IGFA Captain who brings a unique, analytical edge to the waters of Central Virginia. When he isn’t guiding clients to "river monsters" on the James River, Dan serves as a high school math teacher—a background that fuels his precision-based approach to angling. By combining formal maritime expertise with a teacher’s knack for breaking down complex patterns, Dan specializes in breaking the code on trophy Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish, and Smallmouth Bass for anglers of all skill levels.
Operating Goober Time Guide Service, Dan offers a versatile experience tailored to the water's demands. Whether you are hunting giants from his fully equipped main vessel or launching a kayak or raft to reach remote, low-pressure fisheries, his mission is to provide more than just a day on the water. Every trip is an opportunity to learn the "why" behind the bite, blending high-energy adventure with the technical insights of a true multi-species specialist.
Captain Dan Szajta
USCG Master Charter Captain
804-592-0456
*Contents of this article may not be reproduced without the prior consent of Goober Time Guide Service, LLC.
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